College Essays

A Guide — with Links — to the Supplemental College Admission Essays

A Guide — with Links — to the Supplemental College Admission Essays

Colleges and universities that have supplemental college admission essays release their prompts each summer, usually on or before August 1, which is when the Common Application opens for each new application cycle. And every year, International College Counselors compiles a list of these essay prompts as they become available. Sometimes the prompts are the same as…

Nine Common App Essay Tips to Get Your Student Writing

Nine Common App Essay Tips to Get Your Student Writing

The “Common App Essay,” the “Personal Statement,” the “College Essay” – no matter what you call it, the 650-word essay required by most colleges plays a pivotal role in a student’s application. All students can use Common App essay tips. While a student’s transcript remains the most important aspect of a college application, the essay…

The 2023-24 Common Application Essay Prompts and How to Answer Them

The 2023-24 Common Application Essay Prompts and How to Answer Them

The Common Application essay prompts are confirmed. Get started on your college admissions personal statement now.  Last week, the Common Application announced that the Common App essay prompts for the 2023-24 application season will remain the same as last year’s. All students applying via the Common Application must write the personal statement (aka “the Common…

Don’t Stress – We’ve Got You!  College Application Help.

Don’t Stress – We’ve Got You! College Application Help.

As families receive early round decisions, many students are preparing for the January regular round decisions. What’s also creeping up are holiday plans, family travel, and midterm finals. This may all feel overwhelming – this is also understandable. Help with the College Application & Essays – It Takes a Team For new seniors, International College Counselors is…

How to Write Remarkable Extracurricular College Supplemental Essays

How to Write Remarkable Extracurricular College Supplemental Essays

Most colleges require the Common Application personal statement. Many colleges also require applicants to submit additional college supplemental essays. These college supplemental essays ask students to respond to a wide variety of topics: their most meaningful activity or experience, an important community they belong to, even something which brings them joy. Essays – which can…